Microsoft have just finalised there deal to acquire Skype, The deal has been ongoing for a while now, The finalization of this deal will mean deeper integration of Skype into services like Windows 8, Windows phone 7, and of course Xbox live. Skype is now a department of Microsoft with CEO of Skype Tony Bates will become President of Microsoft Skype Division. Check out the press release below for more information.
[EXPAND Microsoft Press Release]
REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG — Oct. 13, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) has closed its acquisition of Skype Global S.à r.l. Negotiations of the definitive agreement under which Microsoft would acquire Skype, an Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion were led by investor group Silver Lake and the transaction was originally announced on May 10, 2011. Boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype previously approved the acquisition.
Microsoft and Skype will remain focused on their shared goal of connecting all people across all devices and accelerating both companies’ efforts to transform real-time communications for consumers and enterprise customers. The completion of the acquisition also marks the official introduction of Skype as a new business division within Microsoft.[/EXPAND]
